Duke Nukem Advance (GBA) (Duke Nukem Advance (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Duke Nukem Advance (GBA)
Date:	07/05/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gameplay, Graphics

Disadvantages: Some pixelated enemies

"Duke Nukem Advance" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2002 by Take-Two Interactive. It is a remastered version, more specifically a "video game clone", of the earlier Duke Nukem 3D title released for the personal computer. In the United States, the game received a rating of "T" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for teenage years and above due to its violent content.

The story pays homage to the "3D" plot; a fleet of hostile alien life forms have invaded Earth intending to reproduce with the most beautiful of women and removing the rest of the population. The player controls Duke Nukem, the main character, to foil their efforts. The game is spread over 19 stages which each suggest true to life scenarios including shopping centres in Australia, "Area 51" and Egyptian Temples. Duke will also board alien spacecraft for intergalactic battle. The levels are large with the player being required to gather magnetic keycards, solve simple switch related puzzles and eliminate as many enemies as possible to gain a higher percentage score. The typical Duke arsenal of weapons is present and features the more realistic pistols, shotguns and machine guns to the more futuristic shrink ray weapon. Controls respond well to the more downscaled technology in the Gameboy Advance and each movement required of Duke is swift and accurate in direction.

The graphics of this title are presented from a first person perspective which centres on Duke's currently drawn weapon. The series is well known for its stunning urban settings and these have been implemented well into Duke Nukem Advance. There are numerous buildings and warehouses for the player to explore and each feature accents such as furniture and devices. There is some element of pixelation when viewing the enemies close up but the player is able to eliminate enemies at a ranged distance so this flaw does not come into view frequently. The soundtrack is also of a good standard with many of the sound effects being taken from the computer game and placed appropriately into the Advance title. Musical scores also accompany each level but these are new compositions and do not bear resemblance to an earlier title.

Overall, I would recommend Duke Nukem Advance to prospective buyers. Besides solid single player action, the game also sports a multiplayer mode which makes use of a multiple link to add four players in a head-to-head match against one another. It is this which provides the game's extended appeal.

Summary: Thumbs up